Australian coach Justin Langer says Peter Handscomb is “brutally unlucky” after his exclusion from the 15-man squad for the upcoming World Cup.
Handscomb, 27, has averaged 43 at a strike rate of 98 from his last 13 one-day internationals, punctuated by a career-best 117 in Australia’s record chase of 359 against India in March.
Despite his strong recent form, the Victorian was squeezed out following the return of former Australian captain Steve Smith.
“It’s so hard because someone like Pete Handscomb misses selection,” Langer told SEN Breakfast.
“He’s been brilliant for us; he’s a class act. I spoke to him yesterday and as disappointed as he is… he understood that (Steve) Smith will play that role.
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“We felt that Steve Smith would be able to play that role that Pete’s done so well for us, and he is brutally unlucky; I can’t tell you how stiff he is.
“Those guys coming back in makes it tough for the guys who were in the side.”
Australia’s World Cup defence gets underway on June 1 against Afghanistan in Bristol.
Listen to Justin Langer's chat on SEN Breakfast with Garry Lyon and Tim Watson in the player below
